Recipes

Taco smash burger delight!

Sometimes a bun is just too much...so here is a fun twist on the classic cheese burger, with a taco twist. A couple household favorites, so joining them is a no brainer. This can also be modified based on your likes, so have fun and get creative! 


Ingredients:

1/4 cup mayonnaise


1 tablespoon ketchup


1 teaspoon mustard


1 tablespoon relish


1/2 teaspoon hot sauce


1 lb ground round


1 teaspoon Kosher salt


1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


4 (6-inch) flour tortillas


2 slices American cheese, cut in half lengthwise


1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce


1/4 cup diced onion


Directions:

Combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce in a small bowl; set sauce aside. 


Heat a griddle over medium-high heat.


Divide beef into 4 loose portions and place them in mounds on the hot griddle. Season evenly with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Place a tortilla on top of each beef portion and press down to flatten the beef into the shape and size of the tortilla. 


Cook until the tortilla is golden-brown, 2 to 3 more minutes. Flip each patty over and top with cheese. When cheese has melted and the tortilla has lightly browned, top with lettuce and onions. Drizzle with sauce, remove from the griddle and fold in half like a taco. Serve immediately.

Kogi Dogs-A food truck original

With the grills fired up and ready, this might be a twist on the brat in a bun that takes it to a new level you will love, if you are the "can't pass up a food truck" kinda person who likes to try new things, give this one a go! Have a safe and enjoyable weekend, and remember Monday to take a moment of pause to recall the reason we have Monday off in remembrance to honor all those who died in service to the U.S. during peacetime and war.


Ingredients

2 cups finely shredded cabbage


1 large scallion, finely chopped


1 tablespoon fresh lime juice


Salt and freshly ground pepper


1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds


1/2 cup mayonnaise


Vegetable oil


1 cup kimchi, drained and patted dry


8 hot dog buns, split


8 all-beef hot dogs, partially split


1 cup shredded sharp cheddar


2 cups shredded romaine


1 small onion, thinly sliced


2 cups cilantro sprigs


Sriracha, for drizzle


Directions: In a large bowl, toss the cabbage, scallion and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. In a mortar, pound the sesame seeds until crushed and transfer to a small bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise and season with salt.


In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the kimchi and cook over high heat until browned all over, 3 minutes.


Light a grill. Brush the insides of the buns with oil and grill over moderately high heat, cut side down, until crisp, 20 seconds. Turn and grill for 20 seconds longer. Spread the cut sides with the sesame mayonnaise.


Grill the hot dogs over moderately high heat until nicely charred all over, 3 minutes. Tuck the hot dogs into the buns with the kimchi and cheddar. Top with the cabbage salad, romaine, onion and cilantro sprigs. Drizzle a little Sriracha on top and serve.

Crafts

Recycled DIY Newspaper or Magazine Basket


1. I cut the folded edge off a couple sections of newspaper and then cut those pages in half lengthwise. I used about 20 pages for this basket (about 40 strips). My rotary cutter and cutting mat made short work of the cutting. Recommended if you have one.


2. Fold the newspaper pieces in half lengthwise, then again lengthwise into quarters, then into eighths, so you have some sturdy strips. Mine were 3/4" wide. If you want to use fewer, wider strips, use the whole newspaper sheet. Obviously, you can adjust the size of your strips.


3. Start weaving from the center outward. Use staples (or glue dots, double-sided tape, etc.) where needed to secure your pieces, especially on the first few strips you put together. You can remove the staples after the basket is finished if you think they're too hideous to bear.


4. When you decide your bottom is big enough (your basket's bottom, that is; I'm sure most of us think our own bottom is plenty large), fold your exposed strips upward at a 90º angle to form the sides. Start weaving in horizontal strips to fill in the sides, securing the ends with staples as you go.


5. When you reach the top, fold the vertical strips over to the inside and secure them with staples, or cut them off. I stapled another strip around the circumference of the top, folded over the rim, to hide the ugly ends. You could use glue or double-sided tape for this if you don't want to see staples.


If doing this with magazines, cut about 10 magazine pages into 2.5" strips vertically. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, then into thirds with the cut edges to the inside. Staples are too big to secure your strips in strategic places, so I used Zots glue dots. You could also use tiny pieces of double stick tape. I glued the strip around the rim with craft glue. These little baskets are about 4.5" square.


Print

Book Recommendation 

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben


Are trees social beings? In The Hidden Life of Trees forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration that he has observed in his woodland.



“A declaration of love and an engrossing primer on trees, brimming with facts and an unashamed awe for nature.”—Washington Post

“Heavily dusted with the glitter of wonderment.”—The New Yorker

Includes a Note From a Forest Scientist by Dr.Suzanne Simard


A NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER • One of the most beloved books of our time: an illuminating account of the forest, and the science that shows us how trees communicate, feel, and live in social networks. After reading this book, a walk in the woods will never be the same again.

“Breaks entirely new ground ... [Peter Wohlleben] has listened to trees and decoded their language. Now he speaks for them.”—The New York Review of Books

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BRAINPICKINGS • HONORABLE MENTION: SEJ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award • Shortlisted: Audible International Book of the Year Award • Books For a Better Life Award • Indie Choice Award—Nonfiction Book of the Year


Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute


Seasonal Tips

Here are seasonal apartment tips to help you maintain a comfortable and efficient living space throughout the year:

Summer☀️

Use Energy-Efficient Cooling – Use blackout curtains, fans, and set the thermostat wisely to reduce costs.

Stay Hydrated & Cool – Keep water bottles chilled and limit oven use to prevent extra heat.

Prepare for Vacations – Lock doors/windows, unplug electronics, and set timers for lights if leaving town.

Pest Prevention – Dispose of trash frequently and keep food sealed to deter ants and bugs.

Enjoy Outdoor Spaces – Take advantage of balconies, patios, or nearby parks.


Pointers for Moving

Before the Move:

  1. Read Your Lease Carefully – Understand your lease terms, including security deposits, move-in dates, and any restrictions.
  2. Notify Current Landlord – Give proper notice as required in your lease to avoid penalties.
  3. Create a Moving Checklist – List all tasks, such as packing, hiring movers, and updating your address, turning on/off utilities. 
  4. Set a Budget – Account for moving costs, security deposit, utility setup fees, and other expenses.
  5. Declutter Before Packing – Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need to lighten your load.
  6. Gather Packing Supplies – Collect boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling.
  7. Label Everything – Clearly mark boxes by room and contents to make unpacking easier.
  8. Take Photos of Your Current Apartment – Document any damages before moving out to ensure you get your security deposit back.


Moving Day:

  1. Pack an Essentials Box – Include toiletries, clothes, chargers, and important documents for easy access.
  2. Use Proper Lifting Techniques – Avoid injuries by lifting with your legs and not your back.
  3. Check Apartment Condition – Inspect your new place for damages and report them to the landlord immediately by filling out the "Move In Inspection/Acceptance Form" and take pictures of damage you note to retain until you vacate the unit. 
  4. Confirm Utility Setups – Ensure water, electricity, internet, and other services are active.
  5. Meet the Neighbors – Introduce yourself to start on a positive note in your new community.


After the Move:

  1. Unpack Strategically – Start with essentials, then move on to other rooms gradually.
  2. Change Your Address – Update it with your bank, employer, subscriptions, and DMV.
  3. Test Appliances and Fixtures – Check if everything is working properly and report issues to your landlord.
  4. Secure Your Home – Check locks on doors and windows to confirm they work properly, check smoke detectors, and familiarize yourself with emergency exits.
  5. Decorate and Organize – Make the space feel like home by arranging furniture and adding personal touches.



Most importantly, take your time, have fun and reach out to your property manager with any questions, or concerns, you have as you acquaint yourself with your new home.